Arsenal have released a statement regarding fans frustration to a lack of diversity in the Women’s team following an ‘all-white’ squad photo.
The 27-player team photo went viral after it didn’t feature a single player of colour, seeing fans criticise the lack of minority representation at the club. Arsenal have since responded by claiming addressing the lack of diversity is a ‘priority’.
Fans previously vented their anger on social media, as one commented: “Diversity is needed.” While a second added: “North London is super diverse. A real shame this squad, very talented though it may be, doesn’t reflect that.”
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Arsenal told The Athletic in a statement: “We acknowledge our current women's first-team squad does not reflect the diversity that exists across the club and the communities we represent.
“Increasing participation among young women and girls from diverse backgrounds is a key priority for us at academy level, with specific measures in place to improve pathways and accessibility.”
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The statement added: "Across all our teams, including our men's and women's academies, we're proud of our players from diverse backgrounds who have contributed to our history, success and culture. It's a priority for the club to continue to drive greater diversity and inclusion and create a sense of belonging for everyone connected to the club.”
Diversity in the women’s game in England was put under the microscope during the Lionesses triumphant Euro 2022 campaign, in which just three of the squad that lifted the trophy were of mixed heritage.
Last year, former England international Eni Aluko appealed to the FA and called for change in recruitment that she claims has ‘excluded people’. She previously told ITV: “It's about making sure we're widening the pool of players for Sarina Wiegman to choose from and for the academies to choose from.
“The talent is there. The FA needs to sit down and look at whether they can build centres in certain areas. Just change our practises a little bit. With the professionalism of the game it's maybe excluded people a little bit.”
The FA soon responded by launching its Discover My Talent programme, aimed at improving accessibility to football, which is hoped to improve diversity.
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